AB hopes Lonwabo continues to shine

Proteas / 15 February 2012, 2:39pm

SAPA

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 15: Lonwabo Tsotsobe (C) of South Africa celebrates with team mates during the friendly Twenty20 match between the Christchurch Wizards and South Africa at Hagley Oval on February 15, 2012 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)

Proteas captain AB de Villiers lauded Lonwabo Tsotsobe on Wednesday after the pace bowler bagged a maiden Twenty20 hat-trick in the opening match of their tour of New Zealand.

The South Africans secured a 20-run victory over Canterbury in Christchurch.

“Lopsy has just been outstanding,” De Villiers said.

“I don't know how he does it so consistently. He just keeps taking wickets.

“It's encouraging to see his early tour form and hopefully he continues to excel throughout the tour.”

Tsotsobe returned 4/18 as Canterbury, chasing 151 to win, were bowled out for 130 runs in the 19th over.

The left-arm speedster became the eighth South African to net a T20 hat-trick, and was the first to do so in national colours.